Malawi boxers have to endure life-threatening brawls and bruises, only to get peanuts at the end of the day.
In the latest upshot, Malawi Defence Force (MDF) boxer Chimwemwe Chiotcha has spent K1.2 million in preparation for his fight against Simeon Tcheta at the M1 Center Point in Lilongwe, yet he will earn K350,000.
Super Sakuwa Company gave Chiotcha the money to camp in Liwonde.
“It is expensive to prepare for a boxing fight because you have to consider good food, good training facilities and also, you have to pay for your trainers and sparring partners. I really am aprreciative to Super Sakuwa for supporting me,” said Chiotcha.
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB), who have sanctioned the fight, said professional boxing is business, as such, they cannot dictate terms between promoters and boxers.
“Even in developed countries such as the US and UK, where boxing is big business, authorities do not have a say in prize money. As long as the boxer agrees with the promoter, that is it. A boxer has a right to say no,” said MPBCB president Lonzoe Zimba, adding that in Malawi professional boxing is affected by the poor economy.
Tcheta is relatively new in boxing circles, having turned professional three years ago and has caused a stir after daring Chiotcha. On the other hand Chiotcha has been in the ring for over a decade. As an amateur, he also represented Malawi at the Commonwealth Games.
“He might have made a name, but I am not shaken,” Tcheta declared.
